SOMERSET construction professionals are working hard to raise money for the charity Mind in Somerset by doing a Three Peaks Challenge.

A team of 30 professionals in the construction industry in Somerset is training hard to raise £30,000 for Mind in Somerset.

They aim to climb the 3 Peaks including Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours, starting on 14th July.

Taunton-based Harvey Morris of Setsquare Recruitment and Chris Scoins of BAM Construction have been planning the team challenge which will include construction experts and their supply chain. 

Harvey said: "It is going to be tough scaling Ben Nevis (over 4,000 feet) and coming down will take five and a half hours and when we start Scafell Pike (nearly 3,000 feet) we may be quite stiff and cramping.”

Harvey’s motivation comes from losing his friend Jack, who took his own life in January 2020.

He also said: “Personally I want to raise the money for Mind in Somerset as I used their excellent Suicide Support Bereavement Service. I was a little blue when I called but felt much better after.

“It was a moment of clarity and I want to raise awareness of what the service does. But everyone in the team has their own reason for taking on the challenge.”

Individual training is in full swing and includes walks up Snowdon and Scafell Pike and, more locally, up Crowcombe and Porlock Hills. Harvey himself recently ran the Great Welsh Marathon and did 28 half marathons in 28 days for Mind In Somerset. 

“With a large team there are a lot more variables, and I do worry that none of us are out-and-out explorers or mountaineers however we have 3 fantastic mountain guides and a trail lead to keep us safe. 

“When you start cramping or get back spasms, it is soul-destroying because it is the body telling you to stop. And if you’re on the side of a mountain, you’ve still got to get down."

Vicky Poole, fundraising manager at Mind in Somerset said: “We are really impressed by this huge effort Harvey, Chris and the team are making. And incredibly grateful. All strength to them and great luck.”

To donate please click: https://www.justgiving.com/team/teambuiltenvironment